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I had a lot of request to go deeper into the world of Chinese acrobatics. Especially when it comes to Chaoyang Theatre, there is a huge lack of information in English. So I wrote up an introduction to tell you all about this brilliant and photographic show in Beijing.

Beijing is a must-see destination in China, as it is a fantastic metropolis, filled both with history and modern vestiges as well. If you wish to get the pulse of the Chinese lifestyle, then there isn’t a better place for you to be than Beijing. It is an astonishing city, being very busy during the day and incredibly lighten up during the night. There is always something to do here, or to see. Whether you stop by the Heaven Temple, loose and entire day at one of the enormous malls, grab a bite at one of the restaurants serving traditional Chinese cuisine or just stop to savor a cup of tea, Beijing will always give you something to do. But, there is one thing, famous worldwide, that you need to see while in the city. It is the well-known Chaoyang Theatre.

Located in the Central Business District of Beijing, the Chaoyang Theatre is famous for the incredible acrobatic shows that take place here. The address of the theater is the East 3rd Ring Road, and can be easily accessible by all means of transport, like the bus, taxi or metro. If you expect to see something like in any other circus, you will be pleasantly surprised to receive something very different. Put in an act in a number of impressive scenes, all the show is a celebration of the amazing capabilities of the human body. You will see postures and representations you were never thought possible, all done with nothing else but the strength and physical power acquired through an intensive training. Thus, making the show even more stunning to watch.

Some of the acrobats in the team performing at the Chaoyang Theatre began their training when they were just six years old. This shows that one needs a lot of rough training to achieve the breathtaking performances presented on stage. The exercises may look simple, from the point of view of a spectator, but if you think about it for a little bit, you realize that an ordinary person would never manage to do such a thing. You can even see a mixture of exhilaration, due to the intensity of the exercises, and pain on the faces of the acrobats, because of the high complexity and efforts they have to endure in each representation. Of course, nothing is mandatory, as they have joined out of their will. But it is also easy to understand the great sacrifice they make when pushing their body limits to offer each viewer a memorable show.

So if you wish to see an acrobatic show like never before, done by respecting the highest standards, you need to visit the Chaoyang Theatre. Nothing you ever seen before matches with the acrobatic show you will witness within the walls of this theater. You will definitely not feel sorry for visiting it, as it will give you unforgettable memories from China. Although, this is just a small part, a very exciting one indeed, about Beijing. So do make some time to stop by and allow yourself to be thrilled by the world’s most skilled acrobats.

PS. Don’t forget your camera, the photos you can create at the show are simply stunning!

I’ve had some people ask me where I buy my camera equipment and the answer is usually something between surprising and inspirational. Because obviously I don’t simply just go to a camera shop and grab some basic equipment for my needs that are much more demanding. In fact, I have an interesting habit of finding something different, from online stores or during my travels. While I cannot give you all the tips I have for purchasing a camera, the latest that I have been going into has been the astounding AliExpress e-commerce store. This place is blooming with Chinese producers, where remarkably they have managed to make a reliable and trustworthy system for the buyer and producer to meet. Unlike those who are familiar with Alibaba, this one is a more of a light version so that you can buy the same stuff you would get from a mass production line at a similar price in small quantities. What a brilliant idea and simply the amount of stuff you can explore obviously has no limits at all! Also it’s good to note, that even though it’s a Chinese shop, you can order from anywhere in the world. And best of all, access the whole store in English. Just check out this perfect AliExpress English how-to guide to find out just the right links to access the place. Also I have been very surprised at the English language skill there.. Chinese customer service is very good and it’s more of a rule than a custom to talk to them about the products. If they can’t make a sell by explaining how great their product is in English, than the camera might not be worth it. At least that’s the “Joann” style I have developed for shopping in there.

As a side note, if you do want a camera in a larger quantity than the big brother site “Alibaba” is the perfect place to go. For those who don’t know the Alibaba Group which is behind AliExpress, then read below for a little introduction I wrote.

Founded by Jack Ma, who started his career as an English teacher, in 1998, Alibaba Group, the world’s fastest-growing Internet business inspires young and adults alike with its powerful growth model. With a Lego-like approach to building technology-driven platforms, Ma transformed a grassroots idea into a world-class business operation. With portals such as Alibaba.com, Alipay, Alibaba Cloud Computing, AliExpress.com, Taobao.com, Juhuasuan.com, eTao.com, Tmall.com, and many more, Alibaba Group has positioned itself as a giant Internet conglomerate encompassing every aspect of e-commerce. By opening the doors to global trade, Alibaba.com, the world’s largest B2B marketplace induces exactly the same feeling among entrepreneurs that Ali Baba felt upon discovering secret treasure in a cave—using the Alibaba.com platform, entrepreneurs can buy or sell products in a global marketplace. Taobao.com is the largest C2C shopping platform. Similarly, Tmall.com, Juhusuan.com and eTao.com shopping platforms cater to niche areas of online shopping. Launched in 2010, AliExpress.com provides opportunities for local small businesses to offer products to international buyers. The group continues to introduce more platforms as the Internet evolves. Alipay is an online payment platform with no transaction fees, for instance, or Alibaba Cloud Computing is a cloud computing platform, where clients can perform computing operations on the cloud. Considering that the group employs around 35,000 employees, Alibaba’s performance continues to impress analysts. For the fiscal year 2015, the group made a net income of CN¥24.32 billion from revenues of CN¥76.20 billion.

The story is quite remarkable. And we can only expect to see more success stories like this one coming from China. And then, last but not least some of my latest and favourite finds from the online store. Check them out!

It’s time for me to step out of my cave and get some more blog work done. Life of a photographer does not simply always consist of “roses” and nothing more. There is much more to it, like running around a lot and socialising a lot in between takes. And for me, it often requires traveling to foreign countries. Of course, all this can be great fun, but it can also be very exhausting. That’s why not that many photographers are active bloggers. Or at least, that’s what I believe.

It’s interesting that they keep sending me to China, to visit and review all this amazing stuff. Despite the recent flight “accident” in the airspace of Ukraine, people who travel continues to increase. The reason why I call it an accident is because it is far from being resolved yet, so I wouldn’t like to put too condemning names on it yet.

So, there I was in the not capital but something as important or even more important in the history of China than Beijing. Yes, you guesses right that this time it was turn for Xian to show itself what it was made of. My job, was to bring photographic art from the city that would then be used as promotional material in Europe and the States. And for some reason they keep on being actively crazy about the performing arts and nightlife scene in the city.

I went to see a show that takes you to the times of the Tang Dynasty in China. For those who don’t know their history, was an imperial dynasty located in Xian. Which also happened to be the biggest city in the world at that time. So you could say that it has pretty central and significant purpose in the history of the world.

The performance had it’s spirits shot up the roof, all with Chinese style grace and a melodic peace played by a live orchestra. In fact, this was rather refreshing after all the show life from Shanghai & Beijing! I let the pictures speak for themselves or for the lack of my own great words.

The world is endlessly full of things to take photographs of. If you have the skill, you can make any object you photograph interesting or an element of giving perspective to the world. This is why the challenge of being a good photographer is not just about learning to take good photographs, but to build taste.

Everyones been there.. when you started photographing, perhaps your home environment was a little challenging. You are already so used to your surroundings that it’s difficult to see things differently and catch interesting perspectives.

Then you travel to an exotic country, let’s say India. You cannot stop taking photographs, everything is interesting and gives perspective. Having already practised a lot in your home country, you are able to take professional shots.. and India just gives and gives.. without ever being tired.

You end up with a huge portfolio.. try to pic the interesting ones, show them to your friends. But there is too much to choose from.

Well, this is where it all starts. One starts to see what they like or not. And taste starts to build up and majure. So whats the best recipie for growing your taste.. whenever you take shots. Choose which one you like, you are only allowed to pick one. After this you start to learn about yourself and what is good or not. And you have to give up the idea that perspective is enough, in the end.

Many forms of theatre make interesting targets for photography. But there is one that tops them all, at least for me personally. In Beijing Opera you can find the most broad variety of some of the most curious emotions and expressions there are. I believe that the combination of the non-sensitively conscious and unconditioned Chinese with deeply rooter historical Chinese theatre makes a setting for a lifetime.

My senses were overload especially when I got to see the performers offstage where you could see how their personalities had combined with the act. Smoking cigarettes and making faces with the proud status of an actor that long ago was not that fab. It’s all in synergy with the act on stage.

These people are eating their salads and mix their soy sauce properly with vinegar. Only a highly disciplined person with a strong character can make this their lives profession.

See some of the amazing shots. Catching the moments requires the photographer to play out the roles. For me it’s a blissful experience that teaches a lot about what a crazy and wonderful world we live in.

This post is dedicated to my interest in photographing children. It is very rewarding and challenging to be able to catch the innocent and joyful spirit of children on camera. Lately I’ve have some more attempts which have turned out very successful. Here are some examples!

The expressions on children are simply delightful. One needs to surpassed the limits of the camera and build a connection with the infant. One can only succeed if they have a non-verbal permission from the child.

Curiosity of children is never ending, using it as an advantage yields brilliant results.

As of late, I’ve been inspired by Finnish design, especially when it comes to clothes. An increasingly popular trend around the world, however besides the bigger brands, most of the true gems are still hard to find. I happen to have some connections within the clothing industry so I get to see a lot of the stuff that just doesn’t surface, even thought they could be extremely successful abroad. On one side it’s a pity, on the other it invites many to an unknown and special fashion world. Perhaps it’s better the way it is.. but sooner or later some of these smaller Finnish brands will surface. When is up to winds of trends to decide but if one trend will have a big impact, it’s Japan!

Here are a few shots of my finds to get a sneak peak! If you are interested in less known Finnish clothing brands, please follow this page.

I’m a big fan of Shanghai. It’s one of the most polished and fun cities in the whole of China. What’s best about the city is the nightlife, with so many venues to choose from that I just have to keep on visiting the city. With a never ending thirst however, I manage to get some great photos from the city.

The first times I went there I was mainly engaged in things like Chinese Opera, Kung Fu as well as Acrobatic shows. However lately I am more into concerts and other artistic venues such as ballet and dance. So I would say there is something for everyone, everything between traditional and modern. While the classics remain classics at the same time the modern performances are getting better and more popular. This was not the case back in the days..

If you want to see what China is up to, and how far it has gotten. I recommend visiting the beautiful Chinese city of Shanghai. For your nightly needs, I recommend the Shanghai Nightlife Guide: over here.

Once again, I hope you enjoy my yield.. and looking forward to more trips!

One of my favorite Acrobatic Shows in Shanghai. The first times I visited the city, I couldn’t get enough from beautiful and elegant Chinese acrobatics.

This ballet show at the Shanghai Grand Theatre left me with a truly long lasting impression of how the Chinese can make something extremely beautiful.

I love the piano.. and nowadays Shanghai has many even famous and bigger artists visit the city. This classical concert is one of my favorites.

Dinner is an important part of any nightlife. My guide showed me to this “Kung Fu” themed restaurant and we have a lot of fun.

Just like anywhere in China, Shanghai is a good place to catch on Chinese Opera. Even Peking Opera is being acted out in the city.

I’m happy to delight everyone with a few amazing shots of wide, beautiful landscapes from my travels in China. China is full of beautiful nature, actually most of it is! Just it’s not that known. Also to travel in the countryside is not that easy if you don’t speak Chinese. I’ve had the pleasure of my Chinese friend to accompany me on my travels.

Enjoy!

These crazy guys were not afraid of heights. They were just hanging about, enjoying the view and singing!

Another picture from where the guys were. The world looks big from here.

Despite the problems with pollution, there are plenty of clear beautiful skies left such as this one.

Some news I noticed that some serious brouhaha has been stirred up over the Peking Opera bikini pictures. I found the pictures very though provoking as a neutral participant in the issue. As a photographer of an objective view you have no limits to creating amazing works of art. A dogmatic view will proclaim such art as abusive in cases where art is taken out of that original context. My view is that using provoking material in photographic art is of great benefit to the society in provoking discussion and shutting the mouths of the real abusers.

More on this issue from the source: (edit: we’ve been notified that the site moved to a new address)

From the Chaoyang Theatre I got this idea to dress acrobatic performance with swim suits. I though the result is rather pleasant and no controversy this time!